Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net,
Bhopal: The Social Democratic Party of India, (SDPI), has termed the passing away of veteran Congress leader Arjun Singh, who served as former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Governor of Panjab and Union Minister, as a great loss for the Muslim community.
The SDPI national general secretary A. Sayeed while condoling the death of Mr. Arjun Singh said that he was a symbol of Indian secularism. “It was he who purged the hatred and intolerance from the textbooks of India after the NDA fell from power, ensuring a secular future of freedom for people of all faiths in India” he pointed out.
Mr. Sayeed said Mr. Arjun Singh proved his mettle and his secular credentials when he was at the helm of affairs at India’s second biggest state, Madhya Pradesh, where Muslims formed a good portion of the electorate. He championed the empowerment of the poor and bravely fought against the communal forces. He firmly stood by the Muslim community during the last two decades of the Hindutva onslaught, he added.
The statement said that both Arjun Singh and VP Singh died unwept and in total isolation despite their immense contribution to India’s pluralism and secular ethos. They paid for their audacity to speak out for the oppressed and Muslims.([email protected])